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Fort Lauderdale to Nassau

Discussion in 'Marinas & Waypoints' started by Marquis60, Sep 7, 2014.

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  1. Marquis60, Sep 7, 2014
    #1
    Marquis60

    Marquis60 New Member

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    New to this forum so sorry if I do something in error. Taking my boat to from Canada to Lauderdale this winter and taking over to Nassau for a couple trips. 60' with a draft of 55". Looking for advice of whether I should cut across the Bahamas Bank or stick to the Providence Channel.
  2. dennismc, Sep 7, 2014
    #2
    dennismc

    dennismc Senior Member

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    I did via the Bank on my 70 ft with no problems.
  3. Pascal, Sep 7, 2014
    #3
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    I'd go thru the bank, it's a more pleasant ride. The run north and around the Berrys can be really nasty, not that the NW channel delivers a pleasant ride but at least its shorter.

    You can clear customs at Cat Cay, anchor out behind gun cay (nice beach with friendly sting rays) and then cross the bank. If you are in a rush, go straight to Nassau or probably anchor out for the nice at bird cay ( east side of Chub). Nice beaches and sandbars, gives you a taste of the REAL Bahamas. Skip Chub cay marina; overrated and overpriced!
  4. Capt J, Sep 7, 2014
    #4
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    No problem going across the Bank and that's how I'd go. I usually cut through South of Triangle rocks, North of Gun Cay, and the normal routes.

    Nassau is ok, but I'd keep it moving and check out Harbor Island (get a pilot to take you in there, I use Woody), The Exumas (Highbourne Cay South to Staniel Cay), and the Abacos.
  5. Marquis60, Sep 7, 2014
    #5
    Marquis60

    Marquis60 New Member

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    Thanks,

    Depending on weather I will either spend one night around Alice Town or take the advice on the Chub Cay area. Only going to Nassau to pick up the family who are flying in. Then heading off to the exumas.
  6. bobhorn, Sep 7, 2014
    #6
    bobhorn

    bobhorn Member

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    In our sail boat, 4 1/2' draft, we would head out of Miami in the morning, head for North Rock, from there to the Mackie Shoal light and then picked up the Northwest Channel into Nassau. Get to Nassau the following afternoon.

    Bob
  7. Capt J, Sep 7, 2014
    #7
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Cat Cay is an easier stop. You can clear Customs in Cat, it's right on the bank on the way......
  8. Pascal, Sep 7, 2014
    #8
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    Clearing in cat cay is usually painless and without detours. You get in the cut, pull up at the dock and usually can get back underway within half an hour.

    Clearing in Bimini means walking out to immigration (customs is now at Big Game) and then head south about 10 miles or so to cat cay cut.

    The only shallow stretch is about 3 or 4 miles east of cat cay where you may find as low as 7.5' in some spots at low tide. It doesn't last more than a couple of miles and then the bank gets to 10 to 15'

    On the other side, note that the NW channel light is missing, up to about a year ago, there was still a piece of piling just sticking out at low tide but that seems to be gone, or at least invisible. Stay clear, the GPS positions are pretty accurate, just in case
  9. Capt J, Sep 8, 2014
    #9
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    I've done the bank on a 109' at 20 knots.....you just have to slow down at the 1 or 2 known shallower spots (by Cat Cay for example).